Hammer, chisel, stone: simple tools for hard moments

Would you start a project that you knew you could not complete in your lifetime? In this 2020 TEDxSeattle talk, Richard Rhodes challenges you to do just that, and shares lessons he’s learned from decades of sculpting stone by hand. 

Rhodes describes technology as a barrier between humans and the material world. He shows that tackling difficult, lengthy projects by hand allows time for reflection and problem-solving, and ultimately inspires creativity–a quality that’s particularly necessary in hard times.

More to explore: 

• See more of Rhodes’ work here: https://rhodesworksdesign.com/
• Check out Carl Honoré’s TED Talk, “In praise of slowness”:
  https://www.ted.com/talks/carl_honore_in_praise_of_slowness
• EJ Osborne explains the life changing process of wood carving, in “How to make a wooden spoon” at TEDxBrighton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl4upXR6k5Y
• See Matt Crawford explore the idea of “Manual Competence” at TEDxEast:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdGky1JZovg
• Watch Gever Tulley explain Tinker School in his TED Talk, “Life lessons through tinkering”: https://www.ted.com/talks/gever_tulley_life_lessons_through_tinkering